Saturday, June 19, 2021

Saturday's Critters # 392

Welcome to Saturday's Critters!

Hello and happy Saturday!

Happy Father's Day weekend!  Sending out my happy Father's Day wishes for my hubby and son. This will be my son's first Daddy's day, I know he is really happy to be a Dad! 

 If you love all God's creatures like I do and also like to blog about them and take critter photos this is where you can share your critter post. Link up your post and share your critters, join in with my critter party ! You can share any kind of critters the real ones, pretend ones, statues and paintings, a new or old post!

I am sharing some photos from our local walks, a visit to a local county park called Hashawha Nature Center, most of the photos are from walks on our local fire roads. 

Click on photos for larger viewing or slides.

1.....May 21st...We took a walk on the fire road to the lake. the following birds were seen or heard Osprey, Eastern Phoebe or Wood Pewee, White-breasted Nuthatch, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Scarlet Tanagers, Ovenbirds and Wood Thrush were calling. I could see fish swimming right next to the lake shore. A Great Blue Heron flew across the lake and landed on a tree and the wild Azaleas were blooming. I noticed an American Toad on the trail and a few cute tiny flowers. 





2. While sitting by the lake, I watched this White-breasted Nuthatch going in and coming out of a hole in the tree. Maybe a nest?




3.  May 26th...another fire road walk. We watched the Osprey fishing at the lake, I saw various wildflowers and flowering shrubs, a Great Blue Heron and my first time seeing a Prothonotary Warbler at the lake shore.  The Prothonotary is a bright yellow bird with dark wings. My warbler photos did not come very good, I watched it for a while moving around catching bugs. 




4. My terrible photos of the Prothonotary Warbler, on the largest image below you can see his beak, his bright yellow color and the dark wings. Can you find the Warbler? He landed on a downed tree in one of the coves and then he flew across to where I was standing and went inside a shrub. 




5.  May 28th, we are back on the same fire road to the lake. The Gray Catbirds seemed to be out in numbers, we saw a Belted Kingfisher banging a fish on a tree branch, some pretty ferns and yellow iris and the ugly cicada shells.  The sounds of the cicadas are so loud, I could not hear the birds singing. 




6.  June 1st, at another part of the lake we hiked the local George's Creek trail, the creek flows into our lake.  On this day, we saw a young Barred Owl right above the trail. He/she looked down at us and then flew off, a view of the George's Creek, a Gray Catbird, A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, flowering shrub with a Canada Goose family, a log with a group of Turtles. 






7. June 1st.. I missed the shot when this Barred Owl turned his head and looked down at us.  





8.  June 2nd.. Another local walk on the fire road and to the lake. Prettyboy Reservoir, a Green Heron with a turtle, wildflowers, Green heron again, the lake trail, Cicadas and a view of a lake cove.



9. June 2nd...this was my first sighting of a Green heron at our lake.

I know other birders have mentioned seeing it here, it is just my first time seeing the Green Heron in our neighborhood.






10.  June 2nd.. a couple of back yard birds. The Eastern Blue couple and an American Goldfinch. 







11.  June 5th.. Hashawha Nature Center..waterlilies and wildflowers, Indigo Bunting, rabbit, Black Rat Snake and a view of Lake Hashawha and the trail.




12.. Hashawha. Indigo Bunting. 





13.    June 6th..a view of the reservoir, turtles on a log, Canada Geese, Swallowtail Butterfly, male Downy Woodpecker, more Canada Geese.  





I am also linking up to Anni's blog party found here I'd Rather B Birding   Anni always has some beautiful birds to be seen on her blog, check it out!


Thanks to all my visitors and for your comments. Stop back to see any replies to your comments. I appreciate everyone who loves critters and has linked up their critter post. 


Here is my linky:



YOU are all # 1.




127 comments:

  1. Amazing pics.
    Have a nice weekend.Stay well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Take care and thank you for the comment!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  2. Dearest Eileen; Happy for your son's first Father's day ♬ 
    Thank you very much for the varieties of nature shots. I wonder if I can see green heron someday; maybe not possible in Japan.
    I love the st Eileen; Happy for your son's first Father's day ♬ 
    Thank you very much for the varieties of nature shots. I wonder if I can see green heron someday; maybe not possible in Japan.
    I love the collage of Indigo Bunting;
    Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Miyako, thank you for the comment! The Green Heron is beautiful!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  3. SO Cool, Eileen! Prothonotary: chief clerk of a court, proto - notary!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cloudia!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  4. That's a lot of beautiful critters from your recent trips. I like the collages.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and comment!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  5. Great photos and wonderful collages from your walks. So many critters to look forward to on your walks. Happy Father's Day weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you nancy!
      I always hope to see some great wildlife during my walk.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  6. What a wonderful vibrant colour that Indigo Bunting is Eileen. You certainly see a lot of birds on your walks. Thanks for hosting, stay safe and have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Margaret!
      Take care and stay well!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  7. Hi Eileen,
    What a wonderful series of photos and collages you have made of your walk.
    Photo 12 is my favorite, what a beautiful bird.
    Would you mind posting my link, I can't.
    I wish you a nice weekend.
    Greetings Irma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Irma, I linked up your current post!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  8. That fire trail is really productive. The Prothonotary Warbler was a great find.Alsthough they pass through south Florida in migration I still have never seen one here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ken! I was surprised to see the prothonotary Warbler so close to home.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  9. Beautiful series of photos, Eileen. My favorite is the Green Heron. Turtles on the log is pretty cool. Take care, thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bill!
      The Green Heron is one of my favorites too.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  10. Hello Eileen,
    Beautiful photos! The wildflowers are so pretty, and the scenes of nature are wonderful.
    Have a nice day, and Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marit!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  11. so much wonderful critters and nature on your walks. So much you will never be bored. It is a good thing. Seeing the river makes me rember those times I was sitting in a boat floating slowly, looking for birds and wildlife. Those days are gone, but memories are still there. :) Thanks, and wish you a great weekend. Not too hot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Monica!
      I am lucky to live so close to all this nature.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  12. Your fire trail walks are so productive Eileen. What a super list of birds you produce every time. I love the Green Heron and I bet they are difficult to find in that landscape. Have a happy Father's Day weekend with your family. And thanks for the link today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Phil! I was lucky to see the Green Heron flying by and watched where it landed.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  13. Hari OM
    Your mosaics are always a delight to peruse, Eileen - I biggify and identify and love them - and yes, there was enough of the P-warbler to prove "eyes on"!!! May you have lots more sightings this weekend. YAM xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Yam! The larger images are easier to see.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  14. ...Eileen, you have collected a fabulous assortment of nature and I thank you. Enjoy your weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tom!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  15. Fotos maravilhosas e bem escolhidas para o dia dos pais por aí festejar! Parabéns aos papais no seu dia! beijos, chica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Chica!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  16. Wonderful wildlife, as always, Eileen. I especially like the shots at the reservoir. The blueness of the Indigo Bunting is stunning. Warmest, happy Father's Day to your family.

    Yoko

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Yoko,
      Thanks so much for the visit and comment.
      Have a happy day!

      Delete
  17. That's a great variety of birds, Eileen. It is amazing that a bird like a Prothonotary Warbler, that seems to glow, is so adept at disappearing. I have photographs just like yours where you have to strain your eyes to see them! Enjoy the rest of the weekend and the week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you David!
      The birds do have a way of disappearing behind the leaves.
      Enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  18. Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment!
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  19. Barred Owl looks so cute from behind....

    have a wonderful weekend

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Eileen, What a great variety of shots. I love the way you do the collages. These walks on the fire roads must be fun ... so many fine photo opportunities. I was amazed to see this: "The sounds of the cicadas are so loud, I could not hear the birds singing." Another fine Saturday's Critters! Thank you for sharing and hosting. Wishing you and yours a happy weekend! John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi John! Thanks for the comment and for linking up your post.
      The cicadas are so loud, they are seen flying every which way.
      Take care, have a happy Father's Day and a great weekend.

      Delete
  21. Your photos give me a feel of entering a wilderness! Great walk on the various aspects of nature and nice exhibition with collage. I wish your hubby and son a happy father's day.
    Take care

    ReplyDelete
  22. The leaves on the trees make it so much harder to photograph the birds now. I waited and waited for a photo of a bird making an unfamiliar sound, following it from tree to tree. It was a Song Sparrow which I see every day. Lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marie!
      There are a few bird sounds that throw me off, like the Robin.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  23. Hi Eileen :)) I love all of these photos, your "fire walks" are amazing. And your knowledge of birds is admirable!! :) I LOVE that photo you took of the owl, it's so nice to see a back view! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Rain!
      I do try to id the birds I see and hear.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  24. Wow, what an array of our fine feathered friends. I had to look up whether we have Prothonotary Warblers here in Ontario. We do but in a very narrow stretch of land around Lake Erie and apparently numbers are diminishing sadly. Such a pretty bird too. Love to see your shot of the barred owl. Their feathers are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jocelyn! I was surprised to see the Prothonotary Warbler here, right in my neighborhood.
      It would be nice to see them nesting here. Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  25. Replies
    1. Thank you William!
      Yes, I am thrilled at any owl sighting.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  26. Beautiful critters, and you do capture a lot of them here! Thanks for comments on my blog. Hope you all have a simply wonderful Fathers Day weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Barbara!
      I do love the critters.
      Happy weekend to you!

      Delete
  27. Beautiful photos Eileen! Happy Father's Day to your hubby and son. :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. When I visit your blog, I keep seeing animals that I didn't know before, dearest Eileen. I have never met the blue "Indigo Bunting" - such a pretty color! As always, I'm excited to see all the critters you've seen!
    Happy weekend
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2021/06/zwei-habsburger-schlosser-und-ihre-parks.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Traude!
      I am happy you enjoyed my critter post.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  29. You have had a good June, lots of wonderful bits of nature, loved the Indigo and the Owl and the florals too, Good you saw the green heron, I think their numbers on the rise for some reason. Here in one of the vernal pools I keep an eye on they have brought their young to hunt for 2 yrs now. I stopped reporting it to ebird because they keep saying those numbers are too high for that area...Ugh. Happy Fathers day to your men!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sondra! I would love to see the Green Herons and their young on the hunt.
      It is strange ebird does not believe what you see, they weren't there. I have heard other people talking about their ebird reports turned down too. Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  30. What a lovely place to visit, Eileen! Don't apologise for any of your photos, 99.9% of them are wonderful and we all know how difficult it is to get good shots of some very flighty critters! Happy Father's Day to your family (very odd for us here as we celebrate Father's Day on the First Sunday in September!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Nick!
      It is hard to capture some of these quick moving birds. The leaves just get in the way, lol.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  31. I have 2 favs today, goldfince bottom right in number 10 and 12, that blue bunting is gorgeous. we like to watch the osprey fish and have seen them fly with a fish that i wonder how they can carry the weight

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sandra!
      I have seen the Osprey carrying some huge fish, they must dig their claws in.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend.

      Delete
  32. PS: Thank you for hosting, Eileen, have a great new week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks again Nick. Have a great new week ahead!

      Delete
  33. Oh, those bunting! And don't you just hate it when you miss the shot? I do -- they can be so fleeting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jeanie!
      I think I have more misses with bird photos, than good photos.
      It is still nice to see and hear the birds.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  34. Dear Eileen, thank you for sharing these beautiful critters. And thank you for hosting this meme. Have a great weekend. Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jo!
      I enjoyed your beautiful birds and post.
      Take care, have a happy day and a great new week ahead!

      Delete
  35. Amen 🙏 Pray for us, Holy Mother of GOD, that we may be worthy of the promises of CHRIST. Amen 🙏 🙏🙏

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting Maria!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  36. You've been busy. The birds are also busy at this time of year. So you have an interesting way to show your sightings in a collage for each day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Red!
      I try to include some of the larger clear photos with the collages.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  37. Thanks for sharing all these beautiful critters. I am fascinated by the blue birds, as the Indigo bunting. We do not have many here, if none at all, in that colour.
    I wish you a great weekend, rich in captures! All the best!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the comment.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  38. What A Lovely Update - Such Wonderful Creatures - That Barn Owl Is A Hoot - Happiest Of Fathers Day To The Boy - Be Well Shadow People

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the comment and visit.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  39. Thanks, the owl was a hoot.
    Have a happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Nice nature shots as always. Cicadas are one creature everyone loves to hate it seems. I’ve not seen one in person but they apparently are an important source of nitrogen for growing trees once they die, among other benefits. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The cicadas are part of nature, I just do not remember hearing them being so loud 17 years ago.
      Thanks so much for your comment. Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  41. Wonderful collection of critters photos. Love the indigo bunting - such a pretty blue. I'm thinking like you that there is a nest in the hole in the tree.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Karen!
      The Nuthatch kept returning to that hole, maybe taking food inside for the baby birds.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  42. Oh I love the owl and that beautiful blue bunting! And the Protonotary Warbler is on my wish list to see! How amazing! Enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Diane!
      It is always a treat to see an owl.
      The Prothonotary Warbler is a beauty.
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  43. Beautiful mosaics, filled with nature, I love them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bob!
      I love nature!
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  44. What a wonderful assortment of birds, Eileen! We had a Green Heron in our nearby pond for a few years but haven't seen one for the last couple of years.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment and link!
      I went years before finding my first Green Heron, they are a special bird for me.
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  45. I loved seeing all the wonderful birds you photographed, Eileen, but the indigo bunting was y favorite! What a beautiful blue color it is! Have a fabulous week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Pat!
      The Indigo Bunting is a beautiful blue color.
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  46. Love the 'blue bunting' ~ awesome nature shots and photos of our'feathered friends' ~ Xo

    'Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
    ~ Helen Keller

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Carol!
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  47. Beautiful photos. I didn't know the names of some of the birds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bindu!
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  48. Hello Eileen
    Once again you've shared a lovely selection of photographs.
    You certainly do see a nice lot of birds on your walks.
    That Indigo Bunting is such a wonderful colour.

    I'm sure your son is looking forward to his first Father Day.
    Good wishes to Father's everywhere, I have some wonderful memories of mine.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan!
      I love my walks with nature.
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  49. Your indigo bunting is spectacular!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda!
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  50. what a splendid series of stunning photos dear Eileen !

    i enjoyed the post thoroughly .

    your backyard birds look most pretty ,loved the indigo bunting most

    happy father's day to your hubby and your son who is newly father :)
    thank you for making my day always !
    more blessings to you and loved ones !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Baili!
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  51. Amazing day journeys shared this week Eileen. Wonderful collages! And, as always, your linking up with us birders is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for hosting Anni!
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  52. I've enjoyed all of your photos, you must have had such a pleasant time outdoors taking them. I think I'll choose that indigo bird as my favorite, such a brilliant color.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  53. So many beautiful sights you shared with us Eileen, thank you! Happy Father's Day to your hubby and son :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Denise!
      I hope your day is great!
      Have a happy new week ahead!

      Delete
  54. I loved, loved this nature walk with you. The Indigo bunting is just gorgeous, I've never seen one in nature. Thanks for this and have a happy rest of your Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Inger!
      We do enjoy our walks in nature!
      The Indigo Bunting is beautiful.
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  55. Wow..Lovely series of birdie shots...LOve the Indigo Bunting..Such a vibrant color..Sorry you missed the Owl..Have a nice week..I'm afraid it's going to be a hot one..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Missy! Yes, It is going to be hot and humid and then cool off again.
      The Indigo Bunting is a lovely color. Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  56. Hi Eileen, I always enjoy seeing your nature photos. You have so many! Do you have to pay Google to store more photos? I'm asking because I see my memory is almost full with the photos. Happy Father's Day to your husband and to your son.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Penny!
      I do pay a yearly amount for my blog, I do not store photos on Google.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  57. Fabulous series of photos, Eileen.

    I especially love the turtles on the log.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Veronica Lee!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  58. i wake up sometimes at night or early AM ... and hear an owl ... i am thankful i wake up at those moments. i even kind wanna go and search the sounds ... i think it is an owl. and certain ones i know now ...but others i wonder??! very cool. i love the shots. hope your week is starting off well. i think it might be humid hot ...but i am hoping for some needed rain. take care. i gotta smile at you, thank you for having a post i can comment on ..u see when u comment on mine i often arrive and u r having a commenting break. glad to see you again. ur awesome! ( ;

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Beth,
      Thanks for the comment. I am glad to see you stop by for a visit. I have heard owls in my neighborhood, they sometimes to call each other.It is hot and humid, maybe some rain and cooler temps coming later this week. Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  59. That shot of the owl is so cool!! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Un reportaje precioso, con lindas aves que me encantaría ver. Gracias y besos.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Wonderful shots! Those buntings are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and comment!
      Have a happy day and weekend ahead.

      Delete
  62. Hello Eileen.
    Beautiful places and wonderful birds.
    Have a nice day.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Eileen - so much spectacular wildlife ... hard to choose a favorite, but that Indigo Bunting is hard to beat!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Angie!
      The Bunting is beautiful!
      Have a great day and happy weekend!

      Delete

Hello, thank you for visiting my blog. I always appreciate your comments.

BTW, Anonymous comments unless a name is included will not be published. Also, comments with links will be deleted.

Have a happy day, Eileen

Happy Monday!

Wishing everyone a great day and a ha ppy new week! "One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day." "T...